CLARKSBURG, W.Va. -- Fairmont General Hospital's continuing battle to stop the opening of a new psychiatric facility in Clarksburg won't be heard by a judge for at least a few more months.

Highland Hospital wants to convert the former United Hospital Center into a 150-bed psychiatric facility that would employ nearly 250 people.

Fairmont General says it would lose business if Highland proceeds. It recently laid off 20 employees.

The state Health Care Authority granted a certificate of need to Highland Hospital in December, and the Office of Judges upheld the ruling in April.

But Fairmont isn't giving up. The Exponent-Telegram reported it now has until July 13 to file its formal appeal in Marion County Circuit Court.

Judge David Janes laid out a timeline Thursday that allows for filings by both sides through Aug. 24.