News Release Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7/14/2016 12:00:00 AM EASTERN
Updated: 7/14/2016 3:45:19 PM EASTERN
For more information, contact John Broom.
Catch ‘em all, but safely and respectfully

Ashtabula County Medical Center has two Pokéstops and one gym

ACMC is a popular Pokémon spot, featuring two Pokéstops and one gym on or near ACMC’s main campus. “The creators of Pokémon GO selected sites of historical significance around the world to be included in the game. Two sites on our campus honor the history of our hospital – the community coming together following the Great Train Disaster of 1876,” said Tina Stasiewski, Vice President Business Development. “The third site honors James L. Smith, who provided the land for the first Ashtabula General Hospital.”

Although all Pokémon trainers are welcome on the ACMC campus, Stasiewski offered the following reminders:

  • Pokémon can be caught from outside the hospital. Even if one appears inside the hospital, you do not need to enter the facility to capture it.
  • Patient privacy laws restrict photographs on ACMC campus without written permission of ACMC and patients. Trainers should disable AR when using Pokémon at ACMC. It is a federal offense to violate patient privacy.
  • Some areas at ACMC are off limits to patients and visitors. Security or Ashtabula Police may question anyone who is found in these areas and may escort them off campus.
  • Please be respectful to patients, family, and staff at ACMC while hunting Pokémon. At ACMC, our primary focus is our patient’s health and safety, and the safety of our Caregivers and visitors.
  • Remain aware of your surroundings. Traffic on the ACMC campus can be heavy at times, especially near the two Pokéstops. Ambulances, transport vans, and other vehicles all drive through the area. Please remember that making sure patients receive the care they need is more important than capturing a Pokémon. 

Stasiewski said several people have commented that the Pokémon found at ACMC are unique or offer higher initial CP points. “If anyone knows about building a strong team, it is our Caregivers at ACMC. As a Top Workplace in Northeast Ohio for the sixth straight year, we are a destination for great Caregivers. Now, we’re also a great destination for trainers hunting Pokémon. We just ask that the trainers stay safe and be respectful of our patients, their families, and our staff.”

Ashtabula County Medical Center physicians are happy than children, teens, and adults are getting outside and getting exercise while hunting down Pokémon. But, they also urge caution when seeking and capturing them.

“Like the game warns, be aware of your surroundings. Watch your step and use common sense when searching for Pokémon in traffic areas or late at night,” said ACMC Pediatrician Sathish Adigopula, MD. “The game is fun, but we don’t want trainers to become patients because they were too absorbed in the game, regardless of where they’re playing the game.”

If a trainer does get hurt while tracking down a new Pokémon, ACMC’s four Express Care locations may also be a destination they visit. Express Care offers low-cost, walk in care for minor illness and injuries such as sprains, strains, cuts, bumps, insect bites, and skin rashes. Express Care features a co-pay similar to a physician office visit which is significantly less than the co-pays at an urgent care or an emergency department.

Express Care at ACMC is open 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Express Care at Geneva Family Health Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Express Care at Conneaut Family Health Center and Jefferson Family Health Center is open from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.