Someone I know was recently in the hospital for surgery. A friend of his gave him a BIG basket full of jelly beans, and stack of disposable cups. With the jelly beans was a note asking people to help themselves. Whenever someone came in the room, be it a nurse, a doctor, a housekeeper, whatever, he not only thanked them, but encouraged them to help themselves to the jelly beans.
You’d better believe he got GREAT service while he was there. A little appreciation (and food) really does go a long way.