Exhibit 23

                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-72243) pertaining to the NCS HealthCare Employee Savings Plan and
Trust of our report dated June 24, 2002 with respect to the financial statements
and schedule of the NCS HealthCare Employee Savings Plan and Trust included in
the Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 2001.

                                               /s/  Ernst & Young LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
June 24, 2002