EXHIBIT 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related prospectus of Health Care REIT,
Inc. for the registration of 2,331,397 shares of its common stock and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 17, 2003, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Health Care
REIT, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December
31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                       /S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Toledo, Ohio
April 22, 2003