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                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS             EXHIBIT 23.1



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 1,000,000 shares of its common stock and to
the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 12, 2001,
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, 2000, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Toledo, OH
April 26, 2001                                             /s/ Ernst & Young LLP