A baby born by caesarean died of a brain injury after hours' of delay before delivery - in a high-risk IVF pregnancy at Christchurch Women's Hospital

Health NZ has been found in breach of the Health and Disability Code, over ineffective information sharing with doctors.

Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Rose Wall says it took hours to prepare for surgery, after the decision to operate had already been delayed because a lack of labour progress was reported late.

The woman's age and medical history should have suggested earlier assessment.

HNZ has made changes to improve communicating key information - and has also had major staffing changes.