1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 23


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


 We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on
Forms S-3 (File Nos. 333-51540, 333-82219, 333-05005, 333-01337, 33-64105,
33-53661, 33-53409, 33-52379, and 33-50985) and Forms S-8 (File Nos. 333-51112,
333-48254, 333-48246, 333-82207, 333-64479, 333-33881, 333-18169, 33-62309,
33-62303, 33-55511, 33-55509, 33-55272, 33-55270, 33-52253, 33-51114, 33-51082,
33-51052, 33-50151, 33-50147, 33-49783 and 33-36571) of our report dated
February 5, 2001 with respect to the consolidated financial statements included
in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of HCA -The Healthcare Company for the year
ended December 31, 2000.

                                                      /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Nashville, Tennessee
March 23, 2001