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UHS Delaware Valley Hospital Honors Gardepe

January 03, 2019

The Sally Dean award is UHS Delaware Valley Hospital’s most prestigious award. It was created in memory of registered nurse, Sally Dean, who during her tenure at Delaware Valley, treated her patients, their visitors and her co-workers with true dedication, commitment and compassion.

This year’s winner is Cindy Gardepe, Director of Human Resources (HR). Paul Summers, President and CEO presented the award during one of the employee holiday week activities. Cindy began her career at DVH 32 years ago as a unit clerk in the emergency department. She went on to become a phlebotomist and worked for several years in the lab before transitioning into the nursing administration department. There she was the medical staff and in service education coordinator and administrative assistant to the Director of Nursing as well as the Assistant Director of Nursing. She then moved on to the human resources department as an assistant.  Throughout her years as assistant to various directors, she took every opportunity to learn from them, so she would understand how to deal with the myriad of situations that can arise. Her initiative was so strong that, when the last director left, she was able to take over the department as Coordinator of Human Resources. Because of her dedication and determination she went on to get her HR certification from Cornell Labor Relations School and her associate’s degree from Ashworth College. She has grown so much in the position that she was promoted to Director of Human Resources in 2015. Recently, she has also taken on the responsibility of becoming one of our Administrators on Call.

She is a promoter of DVH and its employees while working on teams with her UHS system counterparts. She consistently gives thought to how things will affect employees and is an excellent resource for the managers: sharing her knowledge and providing guidance in HR matters.  She is always willing to look at both sides and is adamant that staff be treated fairly and equally.  She has taught managers how to fairly coach staff and document their actions. She also has been a champion for recognizing staff for the good work they do.

She was a driving force in creating the Hospital Week and Holiday Week staff events, which are still highlights for staff each year.   

UHS Delaware Valley Hospital’s employee engagement survey, performed in early 2018, and is an indicator of employee satisfaction, revealed excellent results: easily outscoring both national and state averages.  While the scores are reflective of team effort, Cindy’s leadership certainly played a significant role. As a resource, teacher and advocate for all staff members she is truly deserving of the Sally Dean award.

In accepting the award, Cindy commented that she had worked with Sally Dean and knows what a tremendous nurse she was, so this is a very meaningful tribute for her.  “I am so grateful for the career opportunities I have been given at DVH. This is a truly unexpected but great honor for me.”