Pokemon No
When it comes to Pokemon Go, at NorthBay Healthcare, it’s Pokemon Gone.
At least that’s what NorthBay’s Security Manager Jon Read is hoping. He learned in July that an undisclosed number of Pokemon could be found via a cell phone app on the campuses of both NorthBay Medical Center and NorthBay VacaValley Hospital.
(Note to the uninitiated: These “Pokemon” are virtual, meaning they only exist on a game app on smart phones. Pokemon is an abbreviated form of “Pocket Monster,” and it originated as a video game created for Nintendo’s Game Boy in 1996. Pokemon is the second-most successful and lucrative video game-based franchise, second only to Nintendo’s “Mario,” and has regained the spotlight with the release of the international sensation, “Pokemon Go.”)
Although there have been no problems reported at NorthBay facilities thus far, security is not taking any chances. According to Jon, a formal request was filed with Niantic, the game’s creator, asking that NorthBay’s two hospitals and all medical office buildings be taken off their game grid.
“We don’t want people trudging through our hallways, or attempting to wander into surgery with their cell phones,” said Jon.
“Our parking situation is already challenging, especially at NorthBay Medical Center, with a major construction project right in the middle of it, so we don’t want to be encouraging gamers to wander through, not looking where they’re going. It’s just easier to say, ‘Pokemon No.’”
The Pokemon craze, which has swept the nation in the past two weeks, has fans and detractors, alike, and for good reasons.
Some distracted players have wandered into harm’s way, on freeways, in malls and dark alleyways. But others say anything that gets folks outside and socializing is a good thing.
While NorthBay pediatrician Michael Ginsberg, M.D., admits he has never watched, played or would even recognize Pikachu, Growlithe or Charmander, he does see the game’s charm for his young patients.
“It gets kids off the sofa, and they’re not eating junk food or engaging in harmful behaviors, such as smoking or doing drugs,” he said.
On the other hand, he noted the need for situational awareness. “People have walked off cliffs and into traffic,” he said. “They need to pay attention, and they need to mind private property.”
He also warns players against doing anything that appears suspicious.
“Rustling around in the bushes in a darkened park at night is liable to arouse the suspicions of a police officer, if not outright startle him,” warned Dr. Ginsberg. “You need to be careful out there.”