EXHIBIT (23)-1


                          Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
                              Independent Auditors


We  consent to the  reference  to our firm under the  caption  "Experts"  in the
Registration  Statement  (Form  S-4,  No.  333- ) and to  the  incorporation  by
reference  therein of our report dated February 25, 1998,  except Note 14, as to
which the date is March 20,  1998,  with respect to the  consolidated  financial
statements and schedule of HEALTHSOUTH Corporation included in its Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1997,  filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.




ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Birmingham, Alabama
August 14, 1998