Donations needed

Close to 100 donations are still needed to prevent a shortage of blood products used to help treat cancer patients.

Blood Service spokesperson Jessica Willet said regular donors were among millions around the country taking holidays between Christmas and New Year, leading to a "worrying drop" in donor numbers.

"Thousands of Australians will need blood this Christmas and New Year just to have the hope of spending those moments with friends and family," she said.

"Cancer patients are the biggest users of donated blood and rely on platelets to make it through chemotherapy.

“The problem is platelets cannot be stockpiled, so we need a constant, fresh supply."

Donations are particularly needed between December 23 and 31. Call 13 14 95 to make an appointment.