Hospital bosses have distanced themselves from suggestions they agreed to a new junior doctors contract being imposed after their names were linked to a letter Jeremy Hunt used to justify the decision.
More than half of the NHS bosses named on a letter have said they are against the imposition of the new contracts.
The Health Secretary cited their support when announcing his decision to force through changes to pay and conditions.
Junior doctors in England protesting against the terms of a new contract have warned the imposition of the contracts could result in "a haemorrhage" of doctors out of the country.
Video report by ITV News' Political Editor Robert Peston
But the health secretary has stood firm on his decision. Speaking to ITV News Political Editor Robert Peston, Jeremy Hunt said it is "not tenable" for him to give in to a union "if it's the wrong thing for patients".
A number of junior doctors joining the protest outside the Department of Health in London on Thursday said there was a serious danger of the highly trained medical professionals leaving the UK for countries such as Australia and Canada.
"If i could I probably would at this stage - I feel so backed into a corner", one said.
Another warned "Imposing something is just going to completely demoralise the workforce and result in a haemorrhage of young intelligent doctors out of this country".
Petition calling for vote of 'no confidence in Hunt' signed 200,000 times after announcement of junior doctors contracts being imposed.
More NHS bosses named on a letter cited by Jeremy Hunt as he announced imposing junior doctors contracts confirm they are against the move.
A junior doctor launches a scathing attack on Health Secretary saying: "Sc*** you Jeremy Hunt, you've picked a fight with the wrong crowd".