Sue Lonergan

Updated 12 July 2022

Sue Lonergan is operated by Mrs Susan Merlyn Lonergan. The provider offers tongue tie services within the Greater London area. Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the strip of skin connecting the babies’ tongue to the bottom of their mouth is shorter than usual. Some babies require a surgical intervention to release the tongue, which is known as a frenulotomy.

The provider carries out assessments of tongue function and feeding assessments prior to carrying out frenulotomy procedures. The provider is qualified to provide frenulotomy divisions for babies up to the age of one year.

The service has been regulated with the CQC to undertake the regulated activity of surgical procedures since 30 April 2019. The provider is the registered manager and is the clinician who carries out the regulated activity. They are a registered midwife and registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. They are listed as an approved independent tongue tie practitioner with the Association of Tongue Tie Practitioners (ATP).

Updated 12 July 2022

We carried out an inspection of Sue Lonergan using our comprehensive methodology on 20 June 2022. The service has not been previously inspected.

Our inspection was announced. We gave the provider short notice of the inspection date to ensure their availability on the day.

This was the first time we inspected the service. We rated it as good because:

• The provider was up to date with mandatory training and had the right qualifications, skills, training and experience to keep patients safe and to provide the right care and treatment.
• A comprehensive assessment was completed for each patient including a feeding assessment and assessment of risk. The provider kept detailed records of patients’ care and treatment.
• The provider followed national guidance and evidence-based practice. There was evidence of quality monitoring through regular clinical audits. The provider supported parents to make informed decisions about their baby’s care and treatment.
• The process of seeking and recording consent was thorough and included sufficient information to allow for informed decisions to be made.
• There was a high level of aftercare available to parents following the procedure. The provider treated parents and their babies with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, and took account of their individual needs. The feedback we received from parents was very positive.
• The service was inclusive and took account of parents’ individual needs and preferences. Parents could access the service when they needed it. Services were offered seven days a week.
  

Updated 12 July 2022

We rated this service as good because it was safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.