BOSTON (WPRI) — Hospital operator Steward Health Care has struck a deal to sell its nationwide physician network to insurance giant UnitedHealth’s Optum unit.

Over the past few weeks, Steward’s financial crisis — that’s consumed its Massachusetts hospitals — has gained widespread attention.

The proposed sale is part of Steward’s plan to help the Dallas-based company’s troubling finances after it fell behind in paying bills and rents.

Read more at wpri.com.