Exhibit 23.1


            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the inclusion in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of LifePoint
Hospitals, Inc. of our report dated February 6, 2006, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of LifePoint Hospitals, Inc., included in the
2005 Annual Report to Shareholders of LifePoint Hospitals, Inc.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration
Statements (1) Form S-8 (No. 333-124151) pertaining to the LifePoint Hospitals,
Inc. 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan, LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. Employee Stock
Purchase Plan, LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. Management Stock Purchase Plan,
LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. Retirement Plan, LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. Outside
Director's Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan; (2) Form S-4 (No. 333-119929),
as amended, pertaining to the joint proxy statement/prospectus of Lakers Holding
Corp. related to LifePoint Hospitals, Inc.'s merger with Province Healthcare
Company; and (3) Form S-3 (No. 333-128279), as amended, pertaining to the
$225,000,000 3.25% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2025, of our
reports dated February 6, 2006, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of LifePoint Hospitals, Inc., LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. management's
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting,
and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of LifePoint
Hospitals, Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 2005.

                                   /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Nashville, Tennessee
February 6, 2006