How Three Days in Hospital Inspired My Healthcare Heroes Collection – Gifts for Nurses That Come from the Heart
It's funny how life throws a curveball when you least expect it. There I was, 3 days to getting on my flight to SE Asia after spending 3 months in the UK, when I decided to make an emergency appointment with my local GP after feeling out of breath. All of a sudden, I'm sitting in a hospital bed in the Medical Assessment Unit while they look for a ward for me. I would spend the next 3 days under the care of some truly incredible nurses which inspired me to design some phone cases and create this blog about gifts for nurses and why the NHS is still an amazing asset.
My Hospital Stay – A Real Reminder of Compassion
I was doing some last-minute shopping with my sister, for my flight to the Philippines. You know, just stocking up on a few gifts and things to finish off when all of a sudden I felt really breathless when walking. I had this feeling recently when doing a few more energetic things but a simple walk? No, something wasn't right.
My First Time Overnight in Hospital
I didn't expect to be admitted to hospital so it came as a shock. What also shocked me was how the NHS moves like clockwork. From the Triage area to MAU ward and then moving into a more longer-term ward. Then comes the tests and daily life in the ward. Throughout all of my time there, the nurses were brilliant. They went out of their way to making me feel comfortable and worry-free. By the end of day three, I realised I wanted to create a fitting collection in my store, that would be loved by them. Whether they buy them themselves or someone buys them as a gift, I wanted them to appreciate it.
The Simple Gift That Meant Everything
After I left, I bought a box of Quality Street and went back the next day. Nothing fancy, just something to say thanks. I met one of the nurses in the ward and handed them over. She returned my gift with a smile. Of course she did. I also handed a goody bag to one of the guys in the ward who I knew would still be there. Robert kept me entertained during my stay, despite the fact that he is in a much worse position and with not a lot to look forward to. I felt humble to even spend 3 days in his company.
From Gratitude to Design - The Healthcare Heroes Collection
That small gesture with the Quality Street stayed with me. It wasn’t about the sweets, it was about the smiles — genuine, warm, grateful smiles from people who give so much of themselves every single day. 12-hour shifts every day is normal for a nurse. I know this, because my no. 2 daughter is one, but she works in a different department.
As a designer, that moment lit a spark. I wanted to create something visual that captured the same appreciation I felt sitting in that hospital bed. That’s how my Healthcare Heroes Collection began — a series of bright, colourful phone cases featuring bows, stethoscopes and symbols of compassion. Each one is a small thank-you to the nurses and carers who bring comfort, humour and heart to their work.
Whether you’re looking for gifts for nurses or even a registered nurse graduation gift, these designs were created to celebrate the profession and the people behind it. They’re fun, durable, and full of spirit — much like the nurses who inspired them. I will be expanding this collection, going forward.
You can view them all here 👉 Healthcare Heroes – Head Cases Online
Reflection - What I Learned from My Experience
Those three unexpected days in hospital reminded me of something simple but powerful: the NHS still works because of the people within it. The doctors, porters, and especially the nurses — they are the heartbeat of the whole system.
I left that ward feeling lucky — not just to be well enough to fly, but to have seen firsthand how kindness, empathy and humour can turn fear into calm. My phone case designs might be small tokens, but they carry a big message: thank you to the real-life heroes who keep us going.
So if you’re ever searching for a way to say thanks, skip the generic mugs and go for something meaningful. Sometimes the best gifts for nurses are the ones that remind them they’re seen, valued, and appreciated — every single day.
💙 Browse the full Healthcare Heroes Collection here → Healthcare Heroes – Head Cases Online
