Exhibit 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements: (1)
Form S-8 No. 333-56987, pertaining to the 1997 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan
and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, (2) Form S-8 No. 333-42838, pertaining to
the 1997 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan, (3) Form S-8 No. 333-97075, pertaining
to the 1997 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan, and (4) Form S-3 No. 333-86578,
pertaining to the shelf registration of $300,000,000 of debt or equity
securities of Province Healthcare Company of our report dated February 10, 2004,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Province Healthcare
Company included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December
31, 2003.

                                            /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Nashville, Tennessee
March 4, 2004