The manager who oversaw “institutionalised abuse” at the Orchid View care home where 21 vulnerable adults died is still in charge.

An inquest last week heard neglect contributed to at least five deaths at the care home in Copthorne.

Area manager Sarah O’Mara was personally criticised for failing to take responsibility for medical errors and staff shortages.

Ms O’Mara, from Hastings, moved on after healthcare firm Southern Cross closed Orchid View and dissolved.

Care UK subsequently acquired the property and opened it in August 2012 as a new service under the name Francis Court.

But Ms O’Mara has since been appointed as a Care UK regional director and is in charge of the new home which specialises in dementia.

A care campaigner said he despaired at the “extraordinary” situation, while a union called for her suspension. Care UK said it would “review” the conduct of employees involved at Orchid View.

On her Linked In professional profile O’Mara boasts of a “consistent record of improving Quality care delivery” and “sound commercial judgement delivering profit-driven results”.

But the inquest heard of hundreds of medical blunders and a ‘no agency staff’ policy at the chronically under-staffed home.

Acting manager Alison Paris said she never saw Ms O’Mara and she never answered or returned calls.

Whistleblower Lisa Martin said there was pressure to continue admitting residents to generate income despite problems.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said it was “appalling and disgraceful” that residents were not supported by nurses and managers.

One inspector said condi- tions were worse than anything she had seen in her 28-year career. During evidence Ms O’Mara denied claims she did not make enough visits to Orchid View. The coroner said: “I haven't heard you take responsibility at all.”

Ms O'Mara replied: “I was their manager. I supported whenever I was needed and went to the homes when I was needed.”

Concluding, West Sussex coroner Penelope Schofield said: “There was institutionalised abuse throughout the home which started at a very early stage. Nobody did anything about it.

“This was from the top down. It was completely mismanaged and under-staffed and failed to provide a safe environment for residents.

“It is disgraceful that it was allowed to run the way it did for nearly two years.

“What concerns me is that many of those involved are still working in a similar role in the industry. Sadly this means there could be another Orchid View somewhere else.”

Ian Christian, a partner at Irwin Mitchell solicitors which represented seven families, said: “The management void within Southern Cross was shocking and something that cannot be allowed to happen again.

“When someone in Sarah O’Mara’s position can fall so far below what’s expected and walk into another job it shows a woeful gap in the regulation of the industry.”

Barry Pickthall, of disability campaign group Don’t Cut Us Out, said: “I just despair at the lack of managerial control. It’s just extraordinary.”

Ron Harley, Unison regional manager, said: “It’s absolutely shocking. It’s not appropriate that a senior manager should con- tinue in her role until there’s been a full investigation into the allegations.”

A Care UK spokesman said: “Care UK had no involvement with the Orchid View care home whatsoever.

“As with all adverse issues and incidents within the care sector, Care UK will review the coroner’s findings carefully for any relevant learning. “

In particular, Care UK will review any observations by the coroner that concern the conduct of any of Care UK’s current employees who were previously involved in the Southern Cross management structure responsible for the Orchid View."