Day Hospital Named After Beloved Former CEO

In 2020, the Blythedale family lost a much-loved member with the passing of former CEO Bob Stone. In September, new signage was unveiled to recognize the naming of the Day Hospital in his honor. In addition to signage at the entrance to the Day Hospital, the Hospital also installed a plaque with narrative highlighting his daring vision and myriad contributions to Blythedale.

Bob was CEO of Blythedale Children’s Hospital for 40 years, from 1961 until 2001. He was the catalyst that transformed a pediatric convalescent home that primarily served as a retreat for children with orthopedic disorders into a fully accredited, 92-bed children’s hospital by 1964.

During his first decade, he conceptualized and opened Blythedale’s Day Hospital program, linking education, medical and nursing care and therapies. He advocated for this novel concept in Albany with the Departments of Health and Education, leading to the creation of the Mt. Pleasant Blythedale School. This gave Blythedale the unique distinction of being the only hospital in the state with a public school district on site, specifically designed to meet the educational needs of its patients. Today, The Robert Stone Day Hospital treats more than 150 children daily.

In 1990, Bob created the Hospital’s ventilator weaning program, setting a national standard for the care and treatment of medically fragile children. “Bob was a tireless innovator, visionary, and an incomparable hospital executive who was driven by a deep-rooted mission to improve the lives of vulnerable children and their families,” said Blythedale President & CEO Larry Levine. “He leaves an enduring legacy of hope and inspiration, and now all those who enter Blythedale will know of the vital role he played in our history.”