Darling Downs Surgical Oncology

Darling Downs Surgical Oncology Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Darling Downs Surgical Oncology, Doctor, Suite 37, 280 North Street, Toowoomba.

Led by Dr Peter O'Donohue, Specialist Breast Cancer & Melanoma Surgeon, and Cheryl Barneveld, Clinic Director, DDSO is dedicated to providing compassionate surgical care for patients experiencing breast cancer, skin cancer and melanoma in Toowoomba.

Education sits at the centre of everything we do at Darling Downs Surgical Oncology.From registrars and junior doctors, ...
22/04/2026

Education sits at the centre of everything we do at Darling Downs Surgical Oncology.

From registrars and junior doctors, through to GPs and the broader medical community, we are committed to sharing knowledge, building capability, and strengthening cancer care across the Darling Downs.

Recently, Dr O’Donohue led a GP Education Evening at St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital, focusing on the latest approaches to breast and skin cancer care, providing practical insights to support earlier diagnosis, clearer referral pathways, and improved patient outcomes.

Dr O’Donohue’s commitment to education extends into everyday clinical practice, ensuring that the next generation of doctors is equipped to deliver safe, thoughtful, and high-quality care.

High standards in medicine matter. They shape outcomes, guide decision-making, and ultimately define the care our patients receive.

Subspecialist practice carries a responsibility not only to treat, but to teach, guide, and lead with clarity, professionalism, and purpose.

We’re proud to contribute to a model of care that is:

✔ Collaborative
✔ Evidence-based
✔ Transparent
✔ And built around patients

Independent by design. Focused on patients. Committed to doing things differently 🌿

Toowoomba deserves better access to breast care.Introducing Darling Downs Diagnostic Breast Clinic, a new model designed...
11/04/2026

Toowoomba deserves better access to breast care.

Introducing Darling Downs Diagnostic Breast Clinic, a new model designed for women with breast concerns who need answers quickly.

Too often, patients are left waiting, navigating multiple providers, and unsure what happens next.

We’ve changed that.

✔ Rapid access appointments
✔ No referral required
✔ One coordinated location for assessment, imaging, and next steps
✔ Direct pathway to subspecialist breast surgery at St Andrew's Toowoomba Hospital

No unnecessary delays.
No fragmented care.
No uncertainty.

Just clear, timely, and coordinated care, from first concern through to diagnosis and treatment.

As part of this new service, we are seeking a Patient Care Coordinator to help deliver a more thoughtful, seamless patient experience.

If you, or someone you know is suited to this role, please visit https://www.seek.com.au/jobs?advertiserid=63514781&jobId=91449343&type=standard or contact Cheryl, Clinic Director at reception@ddso.com.au.

Launching soon 🌿

Subspecialist cancer care, without the distanceAt DDSO, we’re proud to support breast cancer and melanoma patients acros...
06/04/2026

Subspecialist cancer care, without the distance

At DDSO, we’re proud to support breast cancer and melanoma patients across regional communities through telehealth consultations and digital care pathways, reducing the need for unnecessary travel while ensuring timely access to subspecialist care.

Patients from across, and outside the region, residing as far as Moree in the South, Charleville in the West, Kingaroy in the North, and Brisbae in the East, are choosing to access care with Dr O’Donohue, where appropriate, through a more flexible and connected model.

Telehealth and digital care allows:
🌿 Early specialist input without travel
🌿 Review of imaging and results remotely
🌿Clear surgical planning before coming to Toowoomba
🌿 Fewer trips, less disruption, and more convenience

When surgery is required, care is coordinated locally at St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital, with access to onsite diagnostics, haematology, oncology, pathology and support services.

Cheryl, our Clinical Director, brings extensive experience in digital health systems and clinical software integration, enabling a highly coordinated model of care with streamlined referral intake, rapid triage, real-time information flow, and efficient multidisciplinary coordination.

This model supports timely, well-structured patient pathways that differentiate DDSO in both access and delivery.

Referrals welcome | Telehealth available for regional patients

Easter can look different for everyoneWhether you’re celebrating, resting, or navigating a health journey, we’re thinkin...
02/04/2026

Easter can look different for everyone

Whether you’re celebrating, resting, or navigating a health journey, we’re thinking of you this Easter.

Wishing our patients and community peace, strength, and moments of calm 🌿

Implant vs your own tissue - Why reconstruction planning mattersIf you’re facing breast cancer surgery, reconstruction i...
29/03/2026

Implant vs your own tissue - Why reconstruction planning matters

If you’re facing breast cancer surgery, reconstruction is often discussed early in your care planning, not after.

There are two main approaches:

Implant-based reconstruction
• Uses an implant to recreate breast shape
• Often shorter surgery and recovery
• May be performed immediately or in stages
• Can be influenced by treatments like radiotherapy

Autologous (tissue-based) reconstruction
• Uses your own tissue (commonly from the abdomen)
• Longer, more complex surgery
• More natural feel and long-term durability
• Requires coordination with specialist plastic surgeons

Why will Dr O’Donohue discuss these approaches with patients?
Reconstruction preference helps guide:
• The type of surgery performed
• Whether reconstruction is immediate or delayed
• How care is coordinated
• Recovery and long-term outcome

For referrers, early specialist input supports clear planning and timely coordination. For patients, it means your care is designed around you from the very beginning.

Dr O’Donohue is a BreastSurgANZ full-member with oncoplastic breast surgery training, experienced in implant-based reconstruction integrated with cancer surgery.

For patients considering autologous reconstruction, Dr O’Donohue works closely with a trusted network of plastic surgeons to ensure access to all appropriate options.

Referrals welcome | Second opinions supported

Learn more: https://ddso.com.au/patient-blog/f/implant-vs-autologous-breast-reconstruction

Toowoomba’s next generation of breast cancer care is here 🌿A more focused, coordinated, and patient-centred approach,bri...
20/03/2026

Toowoomba’s next generation of breast cancer care is here 🌿

A more focused, coordinated, and patient-centred approach,
bringing subspecialist breast care closer to home.

At DDSO, our approach reflects a more contemporary model:
🌿 Subspecialist breast surgery, including oncoplastic techniques
🌿 Early access to specialist input when decisions matter most
🌿 Independent care, supporting patient choice and second opinions
🌿 Streamlined pathways from diagnosis through to treatment
🌿 Local care, delivered in Toowoomba with support for regional patients

This is care designed to be clear, considered, and patient-centred at every stage.

For more information please visit www.ddso.com.au or phone 07 4670 9697.

Supporting women in our community🌿Yesterday, DDSO had the privilege of attending the International Women's Day 2026 Prot...
09/03/2026

Supporting women in our community🌿

Yesterday, DDSO had the privilege of attending the International Women's Day 2026 Protea Place Fundraising Lunch at the Dairy Ravensbourne.

Protea Place provides vital support for vulnerable women in the Toowoomba community, and it was inspiring to see so many local organisations and individuals come together to support such an important cause.

At DDSO, we believe that caring for our community extends beyond the clinic. Supporting organisations that advocate for women’s health, safety, and wellbeing is something that matters deeply to us.

Thank you to Protea Place for hosting such a meaningful event and for the important work you do for women across our region.

For many patients, this sign marks the beginning of answers, clarity, and support.At Darling Downs Surgical Oncology, we...
24/02/2026

For many patients, this sign marks the beginning of answers, clarity, and support.

At Darling Downs Surgical Oncology, we’re here to guide patients through breast cancer, melanoma, and complex skin cancer with time, care, and clear communication from the first visit.

Located at St Andrew's Toowoomba Hospital, we're proud to be part of the Toowoomba community, providing subspecialist cancer care close to home.

As we welcome the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse, we acknowledge a time associated with strength, resilience, cla...
17/02/2026

As we welcome the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse, we acknowledge a time associated with strength, resilience, clarity, and forward momentum.

In many cultures, the horse symbolises perseverance, integrity, and steady progress, qualities that resonate deeply with healthcare, and with the way we approach cancer care at DDSO.

As we care for patients and families across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, we recognise the importance of respecting the diverse communities we serve, and the values that matter to them.

Wishing our patients, colleagues, and community a safe and meaningful Lunar New Year.

Breast density: more than a technical imaging featureRecent research from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre reinforces that ...
16/02/2026

Breast density: more than a technical imaging feature

Recent research from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre reinforces that breast density is not simply an imaging descriptor, it is a clinically relevant factor influencing breast cancer risk, detection, and screening sensitivity.

Dense breast tissue can obscure malignancy on standard mammography and may warrant additional imaging or earlier specialist input as part of a risk-informed approach to care.

Dr O’Donohue completed part of his specialist surgical training at Peter Mac, where research-driven, multidisciplinary cancer care underpins clinical decision-making. Ongoing exposure to emerging evidence continues to inform his approach to breast cancer assessment, surgical planning, and collaboration with referrers.

Research such as this highlights the importance of individualised screening pathways and timely referral when imaging findings, density, or clinical concern warrant further assessment.

Dr O'Donohue values collaborative care and shared decision-making with GPs and specialists in navigating complex breast health presentations.

This is where subspecialist input can add value in selected patients.

Learn more from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre here: https://www.petermac.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/details/breast-density-not-just-a-technical-feature-of-imaging

Questions to ask your breast cancer surgeonChoosing your breast cancer surgeon is an important decision. Asking the righ...
15/02/2026

Questions to ask your breast cancer surgeon

Choosing your breast cancer surgeon is an important decision. Asking the right questions can help you feel informed, confident, and supported.

Consider asking:

🌿 Are you a member of Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand (Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand)?
Membership reflects a commitment to ongoing education and focused breast surgery practice.

🌿Do you have training or experience in oncoplastic breast surgery?
Oncoplastic techniques can influence surgical planning, scarring, and longer-term outcomes for some patients.

🌿What training and education have you undertaken in breast cancer surgery?
Understanding your surgeon’s background can provide reassurance about their expertise and experience.

🌿How do you approach breast cancer care?
Ask about consultation time, how options are explained, and how decisions are made together.

🌿Who will be involved in my care?
Breast cancer treatment often involves a broader team including imaging, pathology, oncology, nursing, and care coordination.

🌿How is care coordinated after surgery?
Clear follow-up and communication matter just as much as the operation itself.

You have the right to ask questions, seek clarity, and choose a care team that aligns with your needs and values.

The right questions, lead to the right care.

Yesterday, Cheryl, our Clinical Director, had the pleasure of attending Gallentines x Hope Horizons at Bergen.It was a b...
14/02/2026

Yesterday, Cheryl, our Clinical Director, had the pleasure of attending Gallentines x Hope Horizons at Bergen.

It was a beautiful opportunity to spend time with local female entrepreneurs, share stories, learn from one another, and experience the strength that comes from female friendship and connection.

Most importantly, it was a chance to support the important work of Hope Horizons, helping to fundraise for vital cancer support services right here in Toowoomba, services that make a real difference for individuals and families navigating cancer.

We’re grateful to be part of a community that shows up, supports one another, and invests in care beyond the clinic walls. Thank you Hope Horizons Inc.

We encourage you to learn more about Hope Horizons, donate, and support here: https://www.hopehorizons.com.au/about-us

Address

Suite 37, 280 North Street
Toowoomba, QLD
4350

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+61746709697

Website

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