As a 24/7 service we meet plenty of visitors at the Loughborough Urgent Care Centre, but this weekend saw one unlikely guest make a big impression.
As the busy weekend shift started, a furry feline named Diego sauntered into the waiting room, as if he were a patient himself. His choice of residence may not have been ideal, but it was evident that Diego needed help.
Quick-thinking staff members got hold of a cat carrier to ensure Diego's safety and their compassion led to a journey to Chine House Veterinary Hospital, where a microchip revealed his true identity. Meet Diego, affectionately known as "The Costco Cat."
Diego's tale took a remarkable turn as it was discovered that he had been missing for an entire year, embarking on an incredible 12-mile journey from Thurmaston to Loughborough.
Thanks to the dedication of Chine House, Diego was joyfully reunited with his long-lost owners, marking the end of his unplanned adventure.
Demi McGuinness, a Workforce Administrator at DHU Healthcare, told us: “What an amazing result! I couldn't believe it. He came into the Urgent Treatment Centre Friday evening and made himself comfortable. As Saturday approached, he wandered off towards the side of the car park. I knew he would have got injured so I borrowed a cat box from my auntie's house and travelled over to get him.
“I phoned many vets but they were closed. Thankfully, Chine House agreed to help. His chip was located straight away and we found out his name was Diego and he went missing in September 2022. He's travelled over 12 miles in 12 months to walk in to our Urgent Care Centre for help – how could we turn him down! Just shows DHU will help anybody!”
The Loughborough Urgent Care Centre team extends heartfelt gratitude to Chine House for their incredible assistance in reuniting Diego with his family.
It just goes to show that at DHU our compassionate values always shine through, no matter how unlikely the patient.