Frequently Asked Questions

Yes - and this is something I feel strongly about. Continuity of care isn't just a feature of my practice; it's central to how I believe obstetric care should be delivered. You will see me at your appointments, I will oversee your pregnancy, and I will attend your delivery. Exceptional circumstances aside, I do not hand over care to colleagues or work within a rotating team. Knowing you - your history, your concerns, your wishes - from the very beginning is what allows me to support you fully when it matters most.

Yes, many patients transfer from NHS care to private care during early pregnancy. Some choose private care for continuity, shorter appointment waiting times, or delivery at a specific private hospital. Transferring is straightforward, and we can coordinate any previous scans or blood results so that your care continues seamlessly. The most important factor is that you feel confident and supported in your care decisions.

All patients under the care of Dr Duncan will be provided with his personal mobile number, and he is available 24/7 to provide you with support.

Ideally, you should get in touch with an obstetrician as soon as you know you are pregnant. Many patients contact me between 6-10 weeks of pregnancy. Early booking ensures availability and allows us to plan appropriate screening, blood tests, and scans in a timely manner. If you have specific medical concerns or a history of complications, earlier specialist input can provide reassurance and proactive management from the outset.

Dr Duncan is recognised by all major UK insurers and he works with many international insurers too.
Cover for certain services such as maternity care are not always included as standard, so we ask that you check your policy document. If their terms remain unclear, then do please get in touch with us as we may be able to advise.

I offer consultant-led continuity from the first consultation through to delivery. I do not work within a corporate team structure where patients may see different clinicians at different stages. Over 30 years of experience and more than 4,000 deliveries have taught me that consistency and trust are central to excellent maternity care. Patients often tell me that knowing exactly who is responsible for their care provides invaluable reassurance.

You can contact us directly to arrange a private consultation - a GP referral is not always required. However, some insurers may ask for one, so it's worth checking with your provider first.

Dr Keith Duncan MD FRCOG is a leading consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist with over 30 years of experience. He has performed more than 4,000 deliveries and holds sub-specialist accreditation in maternal and fetal medicine, awarded in 2001. He is a member of the British Maternal & Fetal Medicine Society and has served on the Council of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists.

I practice at The Portland Hospital and consult from Harley Street and Ovara Health in Chelsea. The Portland Hospital offers comprehensive private maternity facilities, including neonatal support if required. Hospital choice depends on your preferences, medical needs, and availability. During our initial consultation, we discuss the advantages of each location and determine what suits you best.

Private care offers continuity with a named consultant, longer appointment times, direct communication access, and flexibility in scheduling. Many patients appreciate the reassurance of knowing that I will oversee their pregnancy personally and attend their delivery. Private hospitals also offer private rooms and a quieter environment. Ultimately, the benefit is personalised care centred around you and your baby.

Yes. My role is to guide you safely through pregnancy and delivery based on your clinical needs and personal preferences. I support vaginal birth where appropriate and medically safe, and I also perform planned or emergency caesarean sections when indicated. The priority is always the health of mother and baby. Decisions are made collaboratively and based on clear medical reasoning.

Dr Duncan will see you on a monthly basis initially, then more frequently as your due date approaches. If your pregnancy requires closer monitoring, additional visits are included in all packages.

A pregnancy may be considered higher risk if there is a history of complications, maternal medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, multiple pregnancy, or certain fetal concerns identified during scans. As a sub-specialist in maternal and fetal medicine since 2001, I have been managing complex pregnancies for over two decades. My approach is careful, evidence-based, and personalised. High-risk does not mean inevitable difficulty - it simply means we monitor more closely and plan more precisely to optimise outcomes for both mother and baby.