EXHIBIT 23


            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 No. 333-51112 and No. 333-64479) pertaining to the HCA 401(k) Plan of
our report dated June 4, 2004 with respect to the financial statements and
supplemental schedule of the HCA 401(k) Plan included in this Annual Report
(Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 2003.

                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Nashville, Tennessee
June 22, 2004