A friend of mine has a sister who recently spent a lot of time in the hospital recovering from an illness. The entire family grew to know the nurses well, and wanted to send some sort of gift to the hospital as a show of appreciation.
Gifts of food are always welcome, but you should make sure there is enough for the whole team. Also, avoid items with nuts, as many people are allergic. If you’re worried that donuts or cookies will be frowned upon in a health-conscious environment, you can choose a cheese platter, fruit basket, or batch of muffins. I’m sure sweet treats will still be welcome by many, though.
Some hospital wards prohibit flowers for health reasons, so check first if you’re considering sending a flower delivery. Fake flowers are fine.
Another option is to get gift cards for Starbucks or Target. Just about everyone can use those.
Be sure to include a letter or card. Nurses like to hear positive stories about their work, and it’s nice to get an update and hear how a patient is doing once they’ve left the hospital.