healthcare is wichita's second-biggest industry. it employs about 28,000 people in the area. since healthcare needs remain fairly consistent regardless of the economy, this field was not subject to the same pressures that affected other industries in the early 2000s. the kansas spine hospital opened in 2004. a critical care tower at wesley medical center also opened in 2004. in july 2010, via christi health, which is the largest provider of healthcare services in kansas, opened a hospital that will serve the northwest area of wichita. via christi hospital on st. teresa is the system's fifth hospital to serve the wichita community.