Commissioning the ideal perioperative suite: is going it alone your best option?

Commissioning the ideal perioperative suite, what does it really mean to the perioperative manager? Negotiating through the maze of design, furniture and equipment needs in healthcare building projects requires a great deal of time and input and there will be many questions the perioperative manager will need to ask if they are to undertake this role effectively. What do they need to know and how do they ensure that their department is represented fairly in the building and procurement selection process? What do they really know about project management and how to be a successful and valuable member of a project team? What are the fundamentals that every perioperative manager who is seconded onto a project team needs to be aware of when asked to assist with the fit out and design of a new perioperative suite? If going it alone isn't the best option where can they go to find the right professional help? Is engaging a medical equipment planner the answer?