EXHIBIT 23.1


            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of HCA Inc. for the
registration of $1,500,000,000 of debt securities and to the incorporation by
reference therein of our report dated February 3, 2004, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of HCA Inc. included in its Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.


                                              /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Nashville, Tennessee
December 20, 2004