More blood donors 'needed in leap year'

Australia faces a shortfall of 3500 blood donations due to the extra day included in this leap year.

And with Monday being February 29, the Blood Service is urging people to turn their leap day into a lifetime for a patient by giving blood.

"More than 25,000 blood donations are needed every week to help a range of seriously ill Australians," said spokesman Shaun Inguanzo.

"This year, we have an extra day of that need - around 3500 donations."