SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Authorities are on-scene at Mercy Medical Center after receiving a report of a bomb threat.

According to Amy Ashford, a representative for Mercy Medical Center, around 7:00 p.m., the hospital began receiving calls alleging that there was a bomb inside the building.

Upon receiving the calls, Mercy Medical staff immediately notified Springfield Police, who rushed to the scene.

Ashford says that a lockdown was also put in place, forcing staff members to escort all visitors out of the building.

All of the patients remained inside.

Both Ashford and Capt. Brian Tetreault of the Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad say an extensive search of the building yielded negative results.

Police officials are expected to remain on-scene for an extensive period of time.

Ashford adds that all the patients at Mercy Medical Center are safe.