Ward champion recognised for transforming patient voice on Berry Ward
Senior Healthcare Assistant Judian Hypolite has been recognised for her outstanding dedication to patient-centred care, after introducing an initiative that is transforming how patients feel heard on Berry Ward.
Judian, who also serves as a Ward Champion within the Learning Disability and Autism division at St Andrew’s Healthcare, has been awarded with the Cavell Star.
The Cavell Star Award is a UK recognition scheme that celebrates nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare assistants who go above and beyond in their care.
It is run by Cavell, a charity that supports the health and wellbeing of nursing and midwifery professionals.
Judian has become known as someone who not only identifies opportunities for change but ensures those ideas lead to meaningful action.
Nominated by Ward Manager Jackson Maziva, he wanted to acknowledge what an impact she has had on their patients.
Jackson said: “Her most impactful contribution began with a simple question, ‘how do we make our patients feel truly heard?’ Judian realised that day-to-day HCAs spend more time with patients than any other staff group. They notice the small details from personal preferences to everyday moments that matter most to the people in their care. Yet these insights were not always formally captured or shared.
“She was determined to change this, so she worked alongside patients to develop a co-produced initiative called Moments That Matter.”
The idea was simple. Twice a week, key workers sit down with patients and ask one question: “What matters to you this week?”
The responses are often modest but meaningful. A walk outside, cooking a favourite meal, or spending time in the café. But, as Judian recognised, it is these small moments that build trust and create a sense of belonging.
One patient, who initially struggled to communicate his needs, shared that having soya milk available would make a difference to him. Judian ensured it was sourced.
That small act had a significant impact.
Jackson added “By recognising and responding to something that mattered to him, trust began to grow. Over time, the patient became more confident, more engaged, and showed a marked reduction in distress and aggression towards staff.
“This is what makes Judian stand out - her ability to listen, act, and create change that directly improves patient outcomes.”
The Moments That Matter initiative has since become embedded in daily ward life, reshaping the culture on Berry Ward. Patients report feeling more valued and understood, while staff are better equipped with meaningful insights to support personalised care.
Judian’s work has not gone unnoticed beyond the ward. She has presented the initiative across the division, to the Executive team, NHS England, and at the Culture of Care conference, where it has received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Colleagues describe her as someone who leads by example, consistently putting patients at the centre of everything she does.
Her approach is grounded in the belief that care is not just about clinical interventions, but about connection, trust, and understanding each person as an individual.
Today, Moments That Matter continues to shape the patient experience on Berry Ward - a lasting reminder that sometimes, the smallest question can lead to the biggest change.
