Laiby is the pride of Nellanikottu family in Parambenchery. She is the daughter of the late N M Mathai and Mary Mathai. Laiby is married to Mr. Sibu Jose Thadathilchalil house from Uzhavoor, and together they are blessed with four wonderful children- Roshin, Ashin, Siona & Liona.
Laiby completed her primary and secondary school educational in Parambenchery and Pulinthanam and later she did her college education from St Stephens college, Uzhavoor, and pursued her nursing studies in Erode. Her professional journey started in India, where she gained experience working in Delhi, Azamgarh, Chandigarh, and Malé. These early years laid a strong foundation for her nursing career. In October 2005, she moved to the United Kingdom as a student to complete an adaptation course. She got herself registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in 2006 and began working in a nursing home in Blackburn as a Registered Nurse, eventually rising to the role of a Deputy Manager. In 2008, she joined University Hospitals of Leicester as a Band 5 nurse in cardiac theatre and was then promoted to Band 6 in 2013. During this time, she completed her BSc (Hons) in Health and Social care from De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester. She also served as a guest lecturer at DMU, teaching undergraduate nursing students—an experience Laiby found incredibly rewarding.
Following on from that, Laiby joined Kettering General Hospital as a Band 7 nurse and worked there for three years. In 2019, she moved to University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire as a Band 7, specialty lead in the cardiothoracic theatres. She then proceeded to complete an MSc in Global Healthcare Management course and was subsequently promoted as Band 8 Theatre Manager. To further her leadership development, she then completed the Chartered Manager Fellowship Programme with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and became a Chartered Manager. She is very grateful that the Trust supported and funded her enrolment in all her studies. Alongside her clinical and managerial responsibilities, she has been actively involved in supporting international colleagues. She actively contributed to the Shared Decision-Making Council for Internationally Educated Staff at UHCW, helping to guide and empower internationally educated nurses.
It is an honour to say that Laiby is also an active member of the Leicester Kerala Community and was honoured to contribute to the Nurses Day celebration as a plenary session speaker. She supported and provided guidance to fellow nurses through the Leicester Kerala Nurses Leaders Forum, which works to uplift and mentor Kerala nurses in the region. Laiby was also delighted to receive the first prize in the abstract writing competition at the first Kerala Nurses UK conference. She was also nominated by her Trust for the prestigious Florence Nightingale Foundation Fellowship Programme and she is currently enrolled in the fellowship. Recently, Laiby had the honour of attending the Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service at Westminster Abbey—an unforgettable experience that reaffirmed her commitment to nursing leadership and excellence.
Reflecting back, her journey from Kerala to becoming a theatre manager in the NHS has been filled with challenges, growth, and immense gratitude. At the same time, Laiby also remains passionate about giving back, supporting others, and continuing to grow in this ever evolving and rewarding profession. We are honoured to say that Laiby and family are from St Jude Knanaya Catholic Mission- Leicester. May God continue to bless Laiby in her ambitions journey.
