Holly Springs, N.C. — The right to build a hospital in Holly Springs is likely headed to the state Court of Appeals after a ruling against Rex this week by the Administrative Office of Hearings.

The Department of Health and Human Services approved a plan by Rex to open up a new hospital and emergency room in Holly Springs, but that plan was put on hold by the decision in favor of competitors WakeMed and Novant.

The competition to serve the growing population of Holly Springs and southern Wake County has been growing for years, and is expected to play itself out in the courts before any shovels hit the dirt.